Old Tom Morris makes it a Tain day to remember

By MAGI VASS

“A great day and great fun,” “fantastic to have the chance to play this course” and  “must do it again” were among the comments received after Tain Golf Club held a competition around the original 1890 Old Tom Morris-designed links last Saturday.

The weather was sunny and over 60 members and guests took the chance to play in this one-off competition which tees of the year-long celebrations for the 125^th anniversary of Tain Golf Club.

It was great to see a few familiar faces make a special effort to return to the club and also those who helped to add to the atmosphere by dressing as they would have in 1890.

Everyone got a chance to try out the hickory clubs at the 16^th and the nearest the pin was won by Iain Cowper who won a DVD specially donated by Old Tom himself.

Special thanks must go to our club vice-president Tony Watson for providing the hickories and also manning the 16^th tee for the entire afternoon. 

Without his help and enthusiasm this competition would never have been possible and the same goes to our course manager, Iain MacLeod, for preparing the course, and Graham Oliver who helped with the design of the maps.

After everyone had completed their rounds Old Tom Morris himself (David Joy, golf historian from St. Andrews) made an appearance and treated us all to a entertaining and sometimes sad account of both Old and Young Tom’s lives and golfing talents.

 He was accompanied by his caddy Bob Martin and their act was enjoyed immensely by young and old alike.

Old Tom then presented the prizewinners with their 125^th anniversary commemorative glassware and did a photo shoot around the club.

What with delicious food prepared by Gary (G’s restaurant) and drink to cater for everyone’s taste, served by Richard and his team, it really was a day not to have missed!

Picture caption:  Old Tom and his caddy (on right) pictured with the club captain Ewan Forrest

RESULTS

 

Men

1. A Martin (15) 37
2. R Clark (8) 34, better last hole
3. G Toal (6) 34, better last 3 holes
4. Graeme Ross (5), 34 better last 3 holes

Ladies

1. M Vass (6) 26, better inward half
2. J Bannerman (13) 26

Juniors

1. Calum MacDougall (19) 33, better inward half
2. D Jack (15)33

 

 

Magi Vass

Secretary

Tain Golf Club

Chapel Road

Tain

Ross-shire

IV19 1JE

Scotland UK

+44 (0) 1862 892314

www.tain-golfclub.co.uk